Shanghai ~ A Buzzling city in a developping country

For those of you who loved Shanghai food like I did will be amazed and surprised at how much oil was it actually used in making these Shanghainese food in Shanghai. Shanghai food may seem to focus on sweet and strong taste. With its physical location located in Mainland China, Shanghai is where the expo is being held in the year 2010. Filled with people it may seem, this Chinese city has filled itself with many buzzling buildings and traffic jams are almost everywhere. Head to the promenade and observe the river and how this "yellow" river is actually enhancing trade within and supplying water to the people around.

If you walk across the promenade, you will easily hit the busy Nanjing Road and get the best ham in town at a very reasonable price. You may also head away from the crowd by getting into the Peninsula Shanghai and have one of the best teas and scones in Mainland. The contrast experienced is one of a kind and if you are one of those who love to pamper in spas, the Peninsula Spa is one of a kind in Shanghai.

It's landmark - the Orient Pearl Tower, offers a magnificent view of the city on beautiful days. A suggestion for any towers around the world is to be there around 5pm, so you can get away from the morning tourist crowd, but also observe the light to dark perception of a city. I was unfortunate not to go up, but I am sure that the view of this tower will offer an interesting perspective,

For those of you who wanted to head for the Expo, I can assure you that all the country pavillions are packed. If you are those unlucky ones who can only go during the holiday seasons, then your best choice will be to enter via Door 3 and explore the beauties of the industrial pavillions - Cisco, Coke, and Japanese Industrial pavillion are just a few splendid pavillions to visit. If you really want to head for the country pavillions, then visiting the British pavillion and the Italian pavillion is a good choice. You can see how dedicated the Brits are protecting the environment and how the Italians show their country to the world.

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Information on flights: Dragonair and Cathay Pacific flies to and from Shanghai PVG and Hongqiao airport. Cathay serves 3 flights and Dragonair offers hourly flights to Shanghai PVG. Access to city is seemingly closer with Hongqiao but with PVG, the connection is much better and taking taxi solves most of the problem.

[LIVE] Relaxation during the blooming of Red Leaves in Japan

For those of you who are interested in observing, taking photos and enjoying the autumn scenaries, the red leaves currently blooming in midlands (or known as North Eastern part of Japan) is a good choice for you. Weather is around 15-25C and it's a great time to go hiking and relaxing via the spas and onsens.

Moreover, with the JR East Pass offer of 10000 yen for 3 days, going there is getting cheaper, given the high exchange rate with Yen. Shopping is not the only choices for those of you in Japan, it's about relaxation. With October and November coming forth, the red leaves will fall and the ski season will start. This is the best time for one to breathe in the ions that are long-lost in Hong kong. Immense yourself in the wonderful nature and explore the greenwoods that Japan can offer you!

Now talking about food, fruits is something really amazing in Japan. Why not head for an apple or some fruity grapes? This is the best time to have it. Also, the change in weather also means that the eating menu will be great.


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In terms of aviation, Dragonair is commencing flights to Sendai. This is great for all those who want to skip over Japan and land in somewhere near to the country side and mid-lands. Flights are scheduled to leave between 10 and 12 and so for those of you hating to get to the airport early in the morning will be relieved to catch these flights. Airbus 321 will be used and so seats are quite limited. However, you can try hopping on one of these flights and enjoy the service that Dragonair provides

Cathay Pacific - an introduction

London - the city of education

As an alumni of the London School of Economics and Political Science (known as the LSE), this is where I studied my Master's and where I have spent one fruitful year paving my career path and life. Learnt from many who came here hundreds or thousands of years ago, London is a place for opportunity, exploration and experience. You are the contributor, as well as the receiver of new thoughts. The city, paved by many well-known monuments and historical buildings is always a place for you to learn and the promenade facing the Thames offer you the best place to think and through the inspiration from the new and old culture, the Thames is something mysterically but helpful in amending the things that you might be losing right down there.

Now, for those of you who was born in the British colonial era, the exploration of London can always be interesting for you might just be able to find your own culture and how it develops your mentality as a Hong Kong with British influences. Exploration to Westminster Big Ben (or to be specific the Parliament if you want to visit the building internally) and the Buckingham Palace (during summer) offers the British renaissance. Proceeding from that, head to the Strand Hotel for a cheap lunch at the Johnsson and reserve a ticket for the night at one of those shows you might desire. Finally, head to the high streets to shop (Oxford Street, Reagent Street, Knightsbridge) and explore around or simply go to one of the parks or mueseums to explore one of those national treasures that London can give you during the walk around. Alternatively, head for the church where there might be a very special music concert / rehearsal going on. Dinner is always a headache before the show. The best time for that is to have yourself seated at 1745 and have dinner served before 1815, then you can still pamper yourself with some champagne before the dinner starts. If musical / theatre shows are not your cup of tea, head to Tower Bridge (near Southwark) and explore the beautiful Butler's Wharf for the best dinners in town. Afterall, contemporary British serves has improved since Fish and Chips and Roast Beef and this restaurant is highly recommended. Now to end the day up, taking a ride at the London's eye is the best and you recapture the magnificent view that Big Ben can give you.

A trip to London can cost from a few days to a few weeks. If you are the laggers and would just want to wander around, the city gives you the quiet and the loud. However, if you are still one of those who want to run around, the city always can definitely make you busy for 2 to 3 days and then you may hope on a Paddington train to Bath, Bristol, Wales, ... (well, you name it) and enjoy what those places can offer you. Our next stop, however, will stay in the suburbs of London (tips from the picture below), where I will try to explore our trips to the outskirts of London. Until then, bon yovage!

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Information on flights

Cathay Pacific, One World Alliance British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and New Zealand Airlines offer a total of more than 6 flights to London Heathrow from Hong Kong, with CX holding the most flights departure from HKG. 2 midnight flights are available, making you arrive at London around 05:30 or 06:00 in the morning. However, if you are going during the holiday seasons, it is advisable that you use the other 2 flights during the day because CX London midnight flights are also called "CX London Schoolbus" during the term start/end (Sept, Dec, April and Jun/July) season.

Young or enegectic travellers are advised to travel on the midnight flight, where you can utilize your time in Europe fully. Should you require an upgrade to Business Class using Asia Miles, this is highly desirable because this is one of the best flights CX can offer for European flights (in terms of flight distance and food quality standard offered by CX Catering in Hong Kong). Lay-back travellers may opt for the morning flightm where you can arrive at London at 15:00, then you may check in to your hotel and walk around, see a show and get to the time zone easily.

Coming back to Asia is always a pain due to the time zone. Hence, if you want to adaopt well, opt for the early flight deaprting 11:00 from LHR. However, if you, again, want to utilize your time in Europe fully, the remaining 3 flights are the best choices. Pay attention to the flight that is on offer for usually evening flights assignments of flight goes to 66% B747-400 and 33% A330-300. I prefer the Jumbos for they are better with the noise insulation. However, if you don't mind, the 3 flights serve the same stuff. Our next episode will also attempt to cover the points to note while you are on a CX long-haul flight... so, until then, continue to "feel"!

Karuizawa - the retreat for Japanese

If you are one of those who only have 2-3 days of annual leaves or holidays and wish to go somewhere quiet but still continue to have some excitements that Tokyo will give you, Karuizawa is the best place to be. Being well-known within Japanese as the "retreat in the city", Karuizawa is an hour and a little bit more of Bullet Train (新幹線) from Tokyo Station and is one of the best choice for a 3 day retreat (including fly in and out from HKG using CX). Now the question lies in what shall be done? Here are a few suggestions:

Reading: this is a quiet place where you can find petit cafes and parks to read the books from your innovative i-Pad or the traditional novel.

Skiing: It is definitely uncomparable to Hokkaido but Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort is one of the best ski grounds, offering ski facilities between late October and early April. So pamper yourself in the snow and have some fun there.

Cycling, running, squash, and sports!: If you are there in the good weather, cycling through the place is the best way to capture the most of the city. I had an experience there and it was awesome! I rode for an hour and the fresh air just simply brightens up your brain

Shopping: Yea, I know. It's nothing new and the outlet there doesn't give you the best shot, but you may just find the best deals for the current season in the Prince Karuizawa Outlet! However, do not expect to get anything from Agnes b, or Bottega Veneta. You will absolutely be disappointed. If you are those who go for these two brands, why not go to Osaka or Tokyo. Being a Hong Kong, I know exactly that being in the top of the marketing experience is what we want, Karuizawa only gives you the place to shop for food and maybe just explore your shopping experiences to enjoy life. You may also head for the tuck shop in the hotels and you might be able to get the best from this Japanese state and bring it home or eat it on the road

Eaing: Prince Karuizawa East offers very good sukiyaki (beef hot pot) and Prince Karuizawa West offers a decent Japanese dinner. If you are dessert lovers, head for the tuck shop in West and opt for the Apple Pie. It's also one of a kind. There is a soba shop where you have to drive there (as shown in below picture). It is a decent Japanese store where Soba and udon are served. This is a Japanese experience where I am sure you will be tempted to go and one that you will enjoy for sure!



Relaxing: Onsens and spas are just right at your fingertip. Karuizawa offers the best spas and hot springs in Tokyo and you can just pamper in the water and enjoy the heat effect on your circulation

With this European Japanese town written, our next stop will go to where I have studied - London. Until then, bon voyage!

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Flight information and plans

If you only have 3 days, I suggest you should take the midnight flight to Narita and opt the first Narita Express and change at Tokyo. You can then take your breakfast there and then head for Karuizawa. Alternatively, leave your luggage in Tokyo station and go shopping in Daimaru or explore the place. The 100% Chocolate Cafe (www.meiji.co.jp/sweets/choco-cafe) and you can pamper yourself in the one of the best chocolates Meijo serves. Daimaru right above Tokyo station offers shopping just at your finger tips. Then head for Karuizawa.

Return flight should be scheduled to CX 505, CX 549 or CX 521. You need to depart Karuizawa before 11:30am and I really mean you have to rush to the airport. Don't get there at the very last minute. It's not Cathay who will not be serving you, it's the accidents that may delay your arrival at Narita or Haneda.

Tokyo - the busiest city in Japan

Tokyo - a city in the Northern hemisphere hits daylight first, a city where innovation and business are created , developped, and to some, a city where dreams may be established. Iconic buildings, such as the Tokyo Tower (I was there when I was 4 but then the latest one was viewing it from the Tokyo Castle) astonishes you with new thoughts and perspectives; the many places for the food and shopping (Ginza, Shinjuku, Ikeburo) just marks your sensation to nowhere but to enjoy the wonders of the place; and the wonders from the little gardens of this little city, where you can find almost nothing but green and silence. This city is rich, colourful and provides you with a sensational busy city life but, at the same time, chill and absorb the wonders the many things that our natural environment God has provided us.

Now, there's something where it is terribly hard for one to observe, admire, and adore in Tokyo - Fujisan (or some call it Fujiyama or Fuji Mountain or Mount Fuji). Indeed, it's a mountain where every Japanese will climb to claim themselves as Japanese. Unfortunately, I am one of those who has yet to do so - and would love to do so! This was taken from a View Room from Hyatt Regency Tokyo in Shinjuku at around 9am in November, 2009. Only looking at it already made me get the best camera I had and snap a shot of it. You can see the clear skies and yes, the best time to get this beautiful mountain. With onsen hotels (hot spring spas) and beautiful lakes on the mountain, Fujiyama offers a relaxing spot just an hour away from this busy city by train (or bus).

This brings me to talk more about our next spot, which offers identical relaxation, food and wonders, but in a more relaxed manner - Karuizawa. Stay tune!

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Flight information (for those who pays attention to flights)

Cathay Pacific / JAL / ANA offers flights to Tokyo Narita Airport and Haneda Airport

(with CX commencing Haneda service from 31 Oct 2010)

Recommended flights for HK departures:

CX 524 (midnight flight for those who can burn the midnight oil) (usually A330-300 jets)

CX 504 (first flight going to NRT in the morning) (usually A330-300 jets)

CX 548 (first flight going to HND in the morning) (usually B747-400 jets)

Food served on these flights (based on Economy class): CX Catering (Hong Kong) Japanese meals with no vegetables and no appetizers; hot bread roll served on the side with Tim Tam

Transportation to / from city centre: Narita - Narita Express (to Tokyo /Shinagawa / Shinjuku / Ikeburo / Yokohama) or bus (1 hr+) ; Haneda - Trains to Shinagawa (30-45 mins)

Recommended return flights to HK:

CX 549 (last flight from HND) (usually B747-400 jets - turn around flight from CX 548)

CX 521 (second last flight with more seats available usually) (usuall A330-300 jets)

CX 505 (latest flight from NRT) (usually A330-300 jets)
Food served on these flight (based on Economy class): CX Catering (Hong Kong) Japanese meals with no vegetables and no appetizers; hot bread roll served on the side with Tim Tam except CX 505 which loads their meals from Taiwan and food is usually more spicy and taste like Japanese food a la Taiwan. Recommendation for spicy-haters: request NO BEEF meals or simply grab it from the airport

CX Studio is on all flights but video-on-demand is only availble in 747-400 jets as of this writing for Tokyo flights

Hong Kong International Airport - 1 Baggage

Commenced service in 1997 July 1st, upon the closure of the city's Kai Tak International Airport, Chek Lap Kok International Airport served as the HKG IATA Code. It is the hub of 6 airlines, with Cathay Pacific and Dragonair as the main users of the north and south gates of this wonderful airport.

So the question comes.. what's in this airport, which is so far away from the city? Well, it's about experiences. From entering the airport, you will see a sculture of the oldest way where man fly. This also marked how the aviation industry kicked off then.

Descending from that is the check in, where the most innovative technology is installed. Imagine, 10 years ago and 10 years after, RFID is still something where other airports do not use and it's in Hong Kong where this technology is adopted to track our luggage. For those, interested in that, you may check your luggage tag and peek in that metal in between. Passengers can rest assure that their baggages are safely loaded onto the plane (but not sure if they get unloaded on the destination site :) you know what I mean, especially those who have travelled to Rome beforehand). Those who had experiences in waiting in long queues can rest assure that luggage can be handled very quickly with Online Check in procedures or using the Check in computers. Dropping the bags can be very easy proceeding from that point.

Another interesting view is to observe the 2-D barcodes in the Boarding Pass. Again, CX and KA offers one of the best technology to identify passengers and ensure that they are boarded properly at the gates. This will be elaborated at a later stage.

For now, let's just skip the airport and sit back, relax and enjoy the flight to a place where I always loved to go... Japan. First stop, Tokyo!

Start blogging on travel

Well, I wouldn't claim that I am one of those who have travel around the world. I'd rather only want to take this Blog as a means to introduce places that I have been to and what I think about it. Travelling can be categorize into leisure and pleasure, adoration and learning, eating, wandering around, transporting, and meeting people.

To commence, I would like to talk about transportation. Now, if you are departing from Hong Kong, even if you are going to Mainland, flying is unevitable. People who knows me understand that I am a maniac to Cathay Pacific and many may question why. The crew is not that nice (sometimes), the aircrafts isn't the newest (compared to Singapore Airline). It's only Hong Kong-based. Well, that's the point. To be a Hong Kong, a place with so many wonders in her culture, this airline caters to the way we live. This is the best answer I can give you all for the time being. Aircrafts are distributed between Boeings and Airbuses, serving long and short-hauls. Also, as someone setting out from HK for most journeys, flying a HK-based airline from a HK Airport maximizes my usage and utility to flying and enjoying the trip from the very first moment. The wonders of checking in , getting your Starbucks / Pacific Coffee, getting through immigration and checks, and finally running to the gates is a wonder.

My next title will start from the airport and talk about this wonderful airport - Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport